The Redskins defense looks much improved on paper, but significant roster battles exist all three levels heading into the summer.

The first of three Organized Team Activities (OTA) will take place Tuesday-Thursday at Redskins Park, bringing together the returning veterans from the 2015 NFC East championship squad, free agent additions and incoming rookies. Altogether there will be around 100 players at Ashburn this week. Before making some way to early 53-man roster projections for the Washington Redskins, here is the list of defensive players expected to participate (listed alphabetically).

- You could have won a lot of money before free agency started by projecting Golston as the starting nose tackle at this point. Truth is, all signs point to the Redskins phasing out the position by using more and more 4-3 looks, which is perhaps why Scott McCloughan didn't add any notable players after Terrance Knighton exited in free agency. Murphy's transition from 260-pound linebacker to 280-pound end remains a key story this summer. If indeed the 4-3 is the direction, at least eight lineman stay. Curious to see if low-key additions Powe and Hood factor in. It's all curious to see how the decision makers view those notable edge rushers when it comes to keeping extra 4-3 ends or linebackers.

- Take out Compton, Foster and Riley and there are five inside backers for maybe one spot. There might not be any spots available behind Kerrigan, Smith and Galette depending on how the coaching staff views other position battles. Special teams prowess the likely deciding factor among Garvin, Hayward, Spaight, Daniels, Fields and Bates.

* How much the Redskins truly intend on using 4-3 looks and Cravens at linebacker could easily shift one ILB spot to the DL. How quickly Ioannidis picks up NT duties could determine Jerrell Powe's chances at sticking. How Ziggy Hood's recovery from a foot injury that kept him off the field in 2015 one year after signing a lengthy contract with Jacksonville could determine whether the former first round pick can snag a spot. How Fuller bounces back from microfracture knee surgery could determine whether the Redskins feel the need to keep an extra corner, though all indications are the 2016 third round pick is on track. How one injury to Kerrigan, Smith or Galette could have all panicking considering the lack of OLB depth. How improved the defense could look with Norman, Galette, Cravens on the field plus growth from Smith, Breeland will be a storyline all offseason.